Why is it necessary to wait 24 hours before collecting a newborn screen specimen?
A screening specimen collected before 24 hours of life could give false positive or false negative test results. Blood specimens should be collected once the newborn is 24 hours old, and up to 48 hours after birth. Exceptions to the 24 to 48 hour rule:
- A newborn screen should always be collected prior to a transfusion or discharge.
- Facilities responsible for transferring an infant are encouraged to collect a newborn screen prior to the transfer.